Early Learning Indiana

Why do we focus on the earliest years?

Because the prenatal-to-age-3 period is one of the most important windows of development in a child's life. A new brief from the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center explores the science behind early brain development and the lasting impact of children's experiences during these formative years.

Every interaction matters. Responsive relationships, language-rich environments and engaging learning experiences help build the foundation for future health, learning and success.

As we work to support children and families, this brief is a timely reminder that the earliest years deserve our attention, investment and commitment.

Read more:

Why Do We Focus on the Prenatal-to-3 Age Period?: Understanding the Importance of the Earliest Years - Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center Our health and wellbeing prenatally and during the first three years of life affect all future learning, behavior, and health. This time period is the most sensitive for a child’s developing brain and body, yet many families face substantial challenges during these years.

📐 Discover how young children develop mathematical thinking through geometry!

Today is the last day to register for Expert Voices: Exploring Geometry: A Mathematical Journey for Infants to Pre-K Children with Dr. Ryan Flessner of Butler University.

This free, interactive professional learning opportunity will provide early childhood educators with practical strategies to support geometry and spatial reasoning skills in young children. Participants will also receive a kit of materials connected to the session content.

📅 June 20 | 8:30 a.m.–Noon
📍 Butler University College of Education, Indianapolis
⏰ Registration closes today!
Reserve your spot today: https://form.typeform.com/to/FrYfXvOZ

High-quality professional development is essential to supporting early childhood educators and strengthening outcomes for young children. Thanks to support from United Way of Central Indiana, eligible educators can attend the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Conference FREE of charge.

🗓 Saturday, October 24
📍 Embassy Suites Event Center | Plainfield, IN

Participants will gain valuable knowledge, practical strategies, professional development hours and opportunities to connect with peers from across Central Indiana.

This opportunity is available to organizations located in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties.

Register today: https://earlylearningin.org/early-childhood-educator.../

Strong safety and security policies help children thrive. Join us and INAEYC for a webinar designed to help early childhood leaders build effective, actionable plans that support children, families and teams.

Join experts from Early Learning Indiana and INAEYC for the "Safety and Security Webinar: Developing Safety and Security Policies that Work for Early Childhood Programs". This practical webinar is focused on protecting children, staff, and families while meeting high-quality standards.

You'll walk away with clear resources, actionable policies, and peer insights to keep your program safe and secure.

Register for the day and time that works best for you:

June 24, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM ET / https://bit.ly/4eSO7Jn

June 25, 2026, 7:00-8:30 PM ET / https://bit.ly/4uZ5bSC

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

📐 Help young children discover the world through geometry!

Join us for Expert Voices: Exploring Geometry: A Mathematical Journey for Infants to Pre-K Children with Dr. Ryan Flessner of Butler University. This free, hands-on professional development opportunity will equip early childhood educators with practical strategies to support mathematical development in young children and a kit of materials related to the content.

📅 June 20 | 8:30 a.m.–Noon
📍 Butler University College of Education, Indianapolis

Registration closes June 12, and space is limited—reserve your spot today: https://form.typeform.com/to/FrYfXvOZ?typeform-source=21630379.hubspotpreview-na1.com

Looking for a better way to onboard educators who are new to the field—or help current team members grow their skills and confidence?

At A Child’s World Too, the Classroom Ready program has helped multiple educators build their knowledge, strengthen their practice and grow as leaders in the classroom.

Learn more about how this free program can support your team: https://earlylearningin.org/providers/classroomready/

Early math starts long before kindergarten! ✨

We had a fantastic morning at Expert Voices: Exploring Numeracy: A Mathematical Journey for Infants to Pre-K Children with Dr. Ryan Flessner at The Butler University College of Education and Human Development. Educators explored hands-on strategies for supporting young children's mathematical thinking through play, exploration and everyday experiences.

Building strong numeracy skills in the early years helps lay the foundation for future learning, problem-solving, and confidence. Thank you to everyone who joined us and is helping make math meaningful for Indiana's youngest learners!

Are you an early learning professional looking to grow your practice?

If you are looking to deepen your skills and make an even bigger difference for the children in your classrooms, Early Learning Indiana has learning opportunities on the horizon — and we don't want you to miss out.

Stay informed. Stay inspired. Stay connected.

🔗 Sign up here: https://share.hsforms.com/12GSLfq1FQRGa-_LtKxDXlQcvm3v

Multiple Early Learning Indiana and Day Early Learning team members shared their expertise at the Indiana AEYC Conference earlier this month. They led engaging sessions on topics including Classroom Ready, using music in the classroom and building community.

We’re proud to see our team represented at this annual conference that brings together early childhood education professionals from across the state.